LG Dishwasher OE Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

By Dan Mercer · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · Codes covered: OE · Sources

OE on an LG dishwasher means it isn't draining. LG says this is most often caused by food clogs or an installation problem, and you can usually fix it yourself. Start with the filter and the drain hose. If OE keeps coming back after those checks, LG says the dishwasher needs a repair.

This 3-minute fix saved 0 homeowners a technician visit this month.

What the OE code means

LG calls OE a "Water Outlet Error." LG's guide says the code "appears on the display when the tub is not fully drained." LG's OE troubleshooting page adds that it "indicates that the unit has detected a drain issue, most often resulting from food clogs or an installation issue."

OE is a drain code, not an overflow code. On LG dishwashers, too much water or a leak shows as different codes:

• FE is LG's excess-water error.
• AE (E1 on some models) means a leak has tripped the float switch.

Other look-alike codes: IE means the dishwasher isn't filling. bE is LG's bubble error from too many suds.

Not the same as an LG washer OE. LG washers also use OE for a drain problem, but the fix is different (washers have their own pump filter). See our LG washer OE page if your code is on a washer.

What's normal: LG notes that some standing water below the filter always stays in the tub to trap sewer smells. Water sitting above the filter is the problem.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. A clogged filter. LG's first cause for OE is residue clogging the filter.
2. Food debris in the tub or sump, or a foreign object that won't wash out.
3. A drain hose that's kinked, crushed or blocked. LG says heavy objects under the sink can press on the hose. LG also lists a frozen hose.
4. A clogged air gap or garbage disposal.
5. A new disposal with its knockout plug still in. LG says the plug must be removed before the dishwasher can drain into it.
6. An installation problem. LG says OE on the very first cycle points to a drain hose that's kinked, too high or too long.
7. A faulty part. LG says that if OE persists after these checks, a part may be faulty. On LG models, PartSelect names the drain pump, check valve and piston and nut assembly as parts to check.

How to fix it, step by step

Do these in order. Run a short test cycle after each step to see if OE has cleared.

1. Turn the dishwasher off. LG says to turn it off before cleaning the filter or air gap.
2. Let it cool. LG says to wait 30 minutes after a cycle, because the tub can be hot.
3. Remove the lower rack and scoop out any large food debris from the bottom.
4. Clean the filter.
   • Turn the filter handle counterclockwise and lift it out.
   • Separate the inner filter from the stainless steel filter.
   • Rinse both under running water with a soft brush.
   • Reassemble them and turn the handle clockwise until it clicks.
   • LG warns the stainless steel filter can have sharp edges.
5. Check the drain hose under the sink. It's usually a white or gray ribbed hose. Move anything pressing on it and straighten any kinks.
6. Clean the air gap, if you have one. It's the small cap on the sink deck.
   • Remove the cover and the plastic cap underneath.
   • Clear any debris with a toothpick or brush.
   • LG suggests using a turkey baster to pour hot water through it.
   • Refit the cap and cover.
7. Check the garbage disposal if the dishwasher drains into one. LG says to check it for debris and clogs. Running it briefly can clear food sitting in it.
8. Check for a knockout plug on a new disposal. If the disposal or dishwasher is new, the dishwasher inlet on the disposal may still be sealed. LG says an installer or plumber should remove it.
9. Force a drain. LG's steps:
   • If your control panel has Cancel & Drain, hold its two buttons together (for example Delicate + Dual Control; the pair varies by model).
   • If not, start a cycle, let it run 45 seconds, then turn it off. LG says the first 45 seconds of any cycle is drain-only.
10. Run an empty test cycle. LG suggests a Heavy Duty or Normal cycle with no dishes or detergent to flush the unit and test the drain.
11. Check the installation if OE showed up on the first cycle. LG says the hose must be no longer than 12 ft, with no extension, and its end must be 12 to 40 inches above the floor. Ask your installer to correct it.
12. Stop if OE comes back. If the filter, hose, air gap and disposal are all clear, see "Test the part", or request LG service.

Test the part

Only try this once the whole drain path is clear. The drain pump sits under the tub. On most built-in dishwashers that means disconnecting it and sliding it out, so many owners leave this step to a technician.

1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker. Then turn off the water under the sink, as LG says to do before handling the drain hose.
2. Check the check valve or piston. PartSelect says some LG models have a piston and nut assembly under the sump cover. It should move up and down freely and seal when it's down.
3. Get to the drain pump. PartSelect says it's likely behind the lower access panel. Have towels ready. If your model has a check valve flapper on the pump outlet, make sure it moves freely and isn't blocked.
4. Photograph the wires, then disconnect the pump's connector.
5. Check the pump for continuity. Set your meter to the lowest ohms range and touch the probes to the pump's two terminals. PartSelect says a good LG pump reads zero or nearly zero.
6. Check for a short to ground. Touch one probe to a terminal and the other to bare metal on the pump housing. PartSelect says this should give no reading.
7. Don't rely on a specific number. LG doesn't publish drain pump readings for owners, and they vary by model. Check your model's tech sheet.
8. Stop and call a pro if the pump tests fine but OE continues, or if you can't reach the pump safely.

Never test parts with the dishwasher powered on.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Request LG service or call a qualified appliance technician if:

• OE comes back after you've cleaned the filter and checked the hose, air gap and disposal.
• OE appeared on the first cycle after installation. Your installer should fix the hose.
• Water keeps pooling above the filter after a forced drain. LG says to request service.
• It's under warranty. Check your warranty paperwork before paying for a repair.

LG US support is at lg.com/us/support or 1-800-243-0000 (from LG's US contact page). Have the model and serial number ready.

FAQ

Related

• OE in the LG dishwasher error codes table
• IE – water inlet (look-alike code)
• AE, E1 – leak / overfill (look-alike code)
• FE – too much water (look-alike code)
• bE – bubbles (suds) (look-alike code)
• LG Dishwasher AE Error Code
• LG Dishwasher LE Error Code
• Beko Dishwasher E01 Error Code
• Beko Dishwasher E02 Error Code
• Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code
• Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code
• All dishwasher error code guides